March 26th, 2024
Rob's Picks:
Red Hulk #2
Thunderbolt Ross leads an explosive escape in Red Hulk #2, as he and his fellow prisoners of Doom’s Think Tank make a break for freedom. Ross, now in full Red Hulk rage mode, tears through Doombots with Machine Man by his side, knowing his strength is on borrowed time. Doom, of course, doesn’t take betrayal lightly, and his swift response costs some of the team dearly. This issue plays out like a Marvel-infused Great Escape, packing brutal action and high stakes into every page. Benjamin Percy proves once again that he’s one of the best in the business when it comes to gritty, hard-boiled storytelling. With Thaddeus Ross and Deathlok front and center, this is a book that knows exactly what it wants to be—pulpy, high-intensity action done right.
Absolute Martian Manhunter #1
The Absolute Universe expands with Absolute Martian Manhunter #1, a mind-bending and visually stunning debut. Agent John Jones is the textbook definition of cool-headed—a dedicated FBI agent, a family man, and someone who never lets emotions cloud his judgment. But when a near-death experience unlocks strange new abilities, he finds himself unraveling. Suddenly, he can hear thoughts, see minds laid bare in vibrant hallucinations, and feel an eerie presence whispering in his subconscious. Deniz Camp crafts a gripping noir-tinged narrative that keeps readers hooked, while Javier Rodriguez’s art explodes with psychedelic, 60s-inspired pop-art visuals, making this the most uniquely stylish Absolute book yet. If you’re a fan of cosmic mystery, detective fiction, or just want to see Martian Manhunter handled with artistic ambition, this is an absolute must-read.
Universal Monsters: The Mummy #1
Faith Erin Hicks brings a fresh take to Universal’s legendary Mummy with a beautifully crafted first issue. Set in the 1920s, the story follows Helen, the daughter of an English archaeologist and an Egyptian woman, caught between two worlds even before a supernatural force begins calling to her from the past. When her father digs up a supposedly cursed site, ancient horrors seep into the present, dragging Helen into a conflict she doesn’t yet understand. Hicks excels at grounding the supernatural in personal stakes, making Helen’s internal struggles as compelling as the eerie, slow-burning horror. Lee Loughridge’s atmospheric colors perfectly complement the creeping dread, making every panel feel steeped in history and foreboding. This is shaping up to be another hit for the Universal Monsters line—an emotional, haunting take on one of cinema’s most enduring legends.
Solomon's Picks:
Batman #158
The Hush saga returns with a vengeance, as Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee reunite for Hush Pt. 2, a sequel many didn’t expect—but one that delivers a powerhouse opening. The issue wastes no time, throwing readers straight into an intense battle between Batman and The Joker that ends in brutal fashion: a crowbar to the skull and a long plunge into Gotham’s freezing river. A timely rescue by Talia al Ghul sets Bruce back on the trail of an old enemy, leading to a chilling realization—Thomas Elliot is back. While some might question the necessity of revisiting Hush, there’s no denying the talent behind this book. Lee’s artwork is as sharp and dynamic as ever, with plenty of callbacks to his iconic Batman panels, and the gritty, high-stakes tone echoes the original’s impact. Whether or not lightning strikes twice remains to be seen, but this issue is a must-read for fans of Gotham’s darker corners.
Absolute Martian Manhunter #1
Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez deliver an absolute knockout with Absolute Martian Manhunter #1, one of the most visually inventive and narratively gripping launches in the Absolute Universe so far. The story opens with John Jones suffering a near-fatal accident, an event that warps his perception of reality in ways that blur the line between the physical and the psychological. His mind becomes a prism of shifting perspectives, turning this issue into a mesmerizing trip through his fractured psyche. Compared to the previous Absolute titles, this one feels like the boldest experiment yet, with its dazzling artwork acting as both a storytelling device and an emotional gut punch. The final page alone is worth the price of admission—an inventive and thought-provoking twist that demands a reread. This might just be one of the strongest debuts in the Absolute line, so don’t sleep on it!
The Seasons #3
The Seasons continues its excellent run with an emotionally charged and narratively rich third issue. Last issue revealed the dark truth behind Autumn’s seemingly perfect family, showcasing a household built on cold ambition rather than warmth. This installment further explores that contrast, highlighting Autumn’s resilience in the face of those who want to mold her into something she refuses to become. Her fighting spirit takes center stage here, proving she’s more than just an idealist—she’s a force to be reckoned with. But the biggest shake-up comes with the arrival of a mysterious invitation to the Magic Carnival, an event that promises to upend the Seasons family dynamic in unexpected ways. The final page hints at a major shift, setting the stage for all the Seasons sisters to play a bigger role in the story. With its compelling character work and steady build-up of intrigue, this is shaping up to be one of the best series out right now.